"I don't read into all that stuff. I just work and try to be the best," Long said. "It's something I work for and I want to earn the respect. But I'm never satisfied. So, I always want to get better."

Thomas recently became the NFL's highest-paid offensive lineman. He agreed to a seven-year, $84 million extension with Cleveland. Long, who is signed through 2013, also is due for a raise in the next year or two. But that wasn't on his mind with the Dolphins 0-2.

"Honestly, I don't care about that stuff right now," Long said. "I'm worried about the game and what this team has to do."